Fin's Fish Guide
The Arabian butterflyfish (Chaetodon melapterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Arabian butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Persian Gulf. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a deep, orange-yellow body with a black tail, black fin margins and a dark band through the eye. As a reef-dweller it lives in pairs on coral reefs and picks coral polyps and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arabian butterflyfish?
The Arabian butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.
Where does the Arabian butterflyfish live?
The Arabian butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others
How big does the Arabian butterflyfish get?
The Arabian butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Arabian butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Arabian butterflyfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Arabian butterflyfish edible?
Yes, the Arabian butterflyfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Arabian butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arabian butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.